2021 Ford Explorer Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems
NHTSA lists 20 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer, 5% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 6,010 miles. One recall (21V870000) covers incorrect rear suspension module parts.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints
- 20
- 5% of 426
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 6,010 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical suspension symptoms owners report
- Owners report a broken bushing on the single-bolt rear subframe-to-differential mount, causing clicking noises when accelerating, decelerating, or shifting between drive and reverse.
- Some drivers describe the rear end becoming unstable and fishtailing at various speeds, with a dealer-performed rear wheel alignment failing to fix the issue.
- Others report premature shock absorber failure, in one case around 44,675 miles, with no apparent cause and no accident history.
- CV joints on both the driver and passenger side have failed with less than 30,000 miles on the odometer, with grease noted leaking from the joint.
- A bent aluminum toe rod was found after front tires wore unevenly and one blew out, which a dealer initially attributed to a factory alignment issue.
- TPMS sensors have failed within a few years of manufacture, which Ford reportedly classified as normal wear and tear rather than a defect.
When 2021 Ford Explorer suspension complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 20, 2021, latest Jul 29, 2026.
Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2021 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 21V870000Nov 10, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires20 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.
Risk: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.
Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many suspension, wheel, and tire complaints does the 2021 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 20 complaints in the Suspension, Wheels & Tires category for the 2021 Explorer, making up 5% of the 426 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a suspension recall for the 2021 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Recall 21V870000, reported November 10, 2021, covers 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles that may have incorrect rear suspension module components due to a labeling error. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- At what mileage do suspension problems typically show up on the 2021 Explorer?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 6,010 miles for suspension, wheel, and tire complaints on the 2021 Explorer, though individual sample complaints mention higher mileages as well.
- Did the suspension issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records one crash and zero fires or injuries linked to Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer.